NEW YORK — A man has been arrested and charged in connection with the shocking act of setting a woman ablaze in a subway train in New York City. He made his initial court appearance this week as investigators continue their efforts to identify the victim.

Sebastian Zapeta, 33, was arraigned on charges of murder and arson during a court session in Brooklyn on Tuesday. He was ordered to remain in custody without entering a plea, and his lawyer chose not to speak to reporters. His next court date is scheduled for Friday.

Authorities allege that Zapeta, who is believed to be an undocumented Guatemalan national, approached the woman on a stationary F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn on Sunday morning and set her clothing on fire.

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the incident as “one of the most depraved crimes one person could commit against another.”

Here’s the latest update:

Who is the suspect?

Zapeta was taken into custody on Sunday, just a few hours after police released images of a suspect to the public.

According to law enforcement, three high school students recognized Zapeta from the circulated images and promptly called 911. He was located on another subway train, still wearing the same gray hoodie, wool hat, paint-splattered pants, and tan boots.

Jeff Carter, a spokesperson for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, stated that Zapeta had been deported to Guatemala in 2018 and had subsequently re-entered the United States illegally, although details surrounding his re-entry are unclear.

During his arraignment, Zapeta appeared in a white jumpsuit and remained silent.

Assistant District Attorney Ari Rottenberg asserted that Zapeta not only set the woman’s clothing on fire but also used a shirt to fan the flames.

Rottenberg further noted that during questioning, Zapeta claimed he had no memory of the incident due to having consumed alcohol; however, he allegedly recognized himself in the footage from the attack.

Police records indicate that Zapeta’s Brooklyn address is linked to a service center operated by Samaritan Daytop Village, an organization that provides housing and substance abuse support. The organization has not yet commented on the situation.

What do we know about the victim?

As of Thursday, the woman has not been publicly identified, with the NYPD confirming she is currently referred to simply as a victim.

Commissioner Tisch stated at a press briefing that the victim was “in a seated position” in the train car when the attack took place. Joseph Gulotta, the chief of transit, emphasized that there appeared to be no prior relationship or interaction between the suspect and the victim.

What is the police presence like in the subway?

Although police are actively patrolling the subway system and there is a comprehensive network of surveillance cameras in stations and trains, the extensive nature of the system—comprising 472 stations and millions of daily riders—makes it challenging to ensure complete safety.

On the day of the incident, officers were present in the station but were patrolling a different platform. They responded after noticing smoke and hearing commotion.

Earlier this year, Governor Kathy Hochul directed members of the state’s National Guard to assist with random bag checks at select subway stations to improve safety.

Is crime increasing on the subways?

Reports of violent incidents in the subway system often heighten fears among commuters, especially as many New Yorkers rely on the trains for daily travel and have experienced their own unsettling moments.

Generally, crime within the transit system has decreased this year compared to the same period in 2022. Data from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority shows a 6% reduction in major felonies from January to November this year compared to last year.

However, the number of murders reported in the transit system has risen, with nine killings recorded this year through November, compared to five during the same period last year.

High-profile incidents tend to attract national attention, further alarming passengers. Recently, Daniel Penny, a military veteran, was acquitted of homicide charges after placing a disruptive subway rider in a chokehold.

“Such incidents overshadow the progress made and affect how safe New Yorkers feel,” commented Mayor Eric Adams during a Monday interview, noting that many of the high-profile cases in the transit system involve individuals facing mental health issues.